I feel like my computer might have been hacked. I downloaded a program called 'installer' from a sketchy site while trying to get a game, and now I'm receiving texts about someone trying to buy stuff from my Amazon account with my credit card. Thankfully, I got a verification SMS before any payments went through. Plus, someone messed with my LinkedIn by removing my profile picture and adding (WW6) to my name. I'm really confused about what to do next. Any advice?
5 Answers
Shut down your computer right away. Freeze your credit to prevent any further issues, and cancel all cards used on that device. Then, from a secure device, change passwords for all your accounts (make sure they’re strong and unique), enable two-factor authentication, and check that your recovery information is up to date. After that, follow a guide to reinstall Windows fresh from a USB drive, and scan any backups before restoring them to your device.
You need to call your bank as soon as possible! Deactivate your cards and ask them for new ones. If someone has access to your card, acting quickly is essential.
First thing, back up your important data and consider reinstalling Windows completely. Make sure to wipe all partitions to fully clear out any malware. Change all your passwords immediately, too, and get your credit card replaced to avoid any unauthorized charges. You're going to want to be proactive here!
Honestly, downloading cracked games from shady sites can lead to getting a virus or losing your accounts. It's not that shocking, unfortunately. Just be more cautious about what you download in the future.
It's not as simple as just stopping, but you really should avoid downloading from those sites. They can be dangerous and often harbor malware that can compromise your security.
Definitely use a password manager and create unique passwords for all your accounts. Reusing passwords may be convenient, but it can make things easier for the hackers if they get access to one.